Otto Kernbergs Theories of Personality Group Members Bill

Otto Kernberg’s Theories of Personality Group Members: Bill Snell, Group Coordinator Name 2 Name 3 Name 4 Name 5 November 11, 2005 PY 432 Fall 2005

Abstract Otto Kernberg is a renown psychoanalyst who is largely regarded as the world’s leading expert in the fields of pathological narcissism and borderline personality disorder. This presentation will explore Otto Kernberg’s work in these two fields, as well as his work in the field of object-relations.

Introduction to Otto Kernberg Born in Germany in 1928 Earned his medical & psychoanalytic degree In Chile in 1958 Has spoken in most every country with psychoanalytic presence. Author of 13 books & dozens of research papers Former President of The International Psychoanalytic Association. (Founded By Sigmund Freud)

Definition: An approach to psychoanalysis that stresses study of the interactions between individuals, especially in childhood.

Concerned with the way in which the self relates to external objects at various developmental stages. Focuses on the mother-infant relationship (especially how the infant internalizes it. ) Refers to the self structure we internalize in early childhood, which functions as a blueprint for establishing and maintaining future relationships. “Object” actually means person

Kernberg’s Stage Theory of Object Relations • Stage I: Normal Autism (0 -1 month). • Stage II: Normal Symbiosis (2 mos – 6 -8 mos). – There are two clusters of object relations units; good self-object representations, and bad. • Stage III: Differentiation of self from object relations (6 -8 mos – 18 -36 mos). – The good self-object differentiates into a good self and a good object, same for the bad. • Stage IV: Integration of self representations and object representations and development of higher level intrapsychic object relations-derived structures (36+mos – Oedipal period). – The good and bad self representations are united into a definite self system.

Physiological Units Undifferentiated Self. Object Representation Stage III Stage IV Good Self-Object Unit Good Self Good Object Integrated Self-Concept Bad Self-Object Unit Bad Self Bad Object Total Object-Relations

Definition: A personality disorder characterized by abrupt shifts in mood, lack of a coherent sense of self, and unpredictable, impulsive behavior.

Given it’s name because people with this disorder seemed to be on the border between neurosis and psychosis Treatment options include general healthcare facilities, specialized Programs, and support services. Reported to be present in 1 -2% of the general population. Closely related to suicides, self harms, and deaths. Borderline personality disorder rarely occurs alone, and commonly occurs with other disorders, like substance abuse or depression. More common in males than in females

Characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder: • History of impulsive behavior. • Superficial social adaptiveness. • Brief psychotic episodes. • Difficulties in interpersonal relationships, • marred by devaluation, manipulation, and demandingness. Intense affect, usually of a strong, hostile, or depressed nature.

Kernberg’s theories on Borderline Personality disorder: • Occurs during the third stage of development(the differentiation of self from object relations). • Kernberg postulated a theory based on a phenomenon he describes as splitting. • Splitting occurs when development is disrupted in the third stage. The child responds by splitting the aggressive self-objects away from the good self objects • This results in unrealistic views of others, as they are seen only in black and white… good or bad.

Definition: A personality disorder characterized by adoption of an inflated self-image and demands for attention and admiration.

Named after Narcissus, the mythological Greek youth who fell in love with his own reflection. Occurs mostly in men. Internal morality is weakened because the positive aspects of the superego are incorporated into the self, and the prohibitive ones are projected onto the environment which thus becomes critical and demanding. Usually diagnosed with other types of mental health disorder. Characterized by an over-involvement with ones self and an inordinate envy of others.

Otto Kernberg and Narcissistic Disorder • Most current, cogent, and persuasive writer on this subject • He defines narcissism as “libidinal investment of the self” • Believes that narcissism develops out of the cold, over-protective mother • Differentiated pathological narcissism from normal narcissism.

Contributing factors to the formation of Narcissism A deficiency in any of the below may lead to some narcissistic problems. • • The nature of internalized object representations. The satisfaction of basic physical and emotional needs. Love supplies Esteem supplies The supergo and its critical functions The nature of the ego ideal Reality achievements

Otto Kernberg and Obsessive. Compulsive Personality Disorder 1) Most current, cogent, and persuasive writer on this subject 2) He defines narcissism as “libidinal investment of the self” 3) Believes that narcissism develops out of the cold, over-protective mother 4) Differentiated pathological version of narcissism from normal narcissism.

Summary: Otto Kernberg’s work in the fields of pathological narcissism and borderline personality disorder has contributed to new ways in which to treat individuals with these disorders. His innovative thinking has opened a new realm of research in the field of psychoanalytic therapy. His contributions to psychoanalysis has made him one of the most profound modern day thinkers.

References Bailey, D. P. , & Snell, W. E. , Jr. (2005). The effects of romantic perfectionism on disclosure in Intimate relationships. Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences. Dorlac, D. A. , & Snell, W. E. , Jr. (2007). Personality traits and sexuality among female university students. Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 6. Leible, T. , & Snell, W. E. , Jr. (2004). Borderline personality disorder and multiple aspects of emotional intelligence. Personality and Individual Differences, 37, 393 -404. Ozaki, N. , & Snell, W. E. , Jr. (2006). Gender roles and personality disorders. Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research, 11, 71 -76. Rodgers, M. L. , Snell, W. E. , Jr. , & Starrett, D. A. (2003). Internet homepages. In H. Bidgoli (Ed. ), Encyclopedia of information systems, Volume 2. Elsevier Science. Snell, W. E. , Jr. , Overbey, G. , & Brewer, A. L. (2005). Parenting perfectionism and the parenting role. Personality and Individual Differences, 39, 613 -624. Snell, W. E. , Jr. , & Overbey, G. (in press). Assessing belief in the 10 Commandments: The Multidimensional 10 Commandments Questionnaire. Journal of Religion and Health. Thomas, M. , & Snell, W. E. , Jr. (2004). Personality disorders and university women’s contraceptive behavior. Journal of Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences, 16 -17, 1 -10.

REFERENCES • • • Anderson, J. W. , & Winter, J. A. (2003). Recent psychodynamic theorists and their relevance to psychobiography: Winnicott, Kernberg, and Kohut. Annual of Psychoanalysis, 31, 79 -94. Christopher, J. C. , Bickhard, M. H. , & Lambeth, G. S. (2001). Otto Kernberg’s object relations theory. Theory & Psychology, 11(5), 687 -711. Christopher, J. C. , Bickhard, M. H. , & Lambeth, G. S. (1992). Splitting Kernberg: A critique of Otto Kernberg’s notion of splitting. Psychotherapy, 29(3), 481 -486. Loewenstein, S. (1977). An overview of the concept of narcissism. Social Casework, 58(3), 136142. Mc. Ginn, L. K. (1998). Interview: Otto F. Kernberg, M. D. , F. A. P. A. , developer of object relations psychoanalytic therapy for borderline personality disorder. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 52(2), 191 -202. Kernberg, O. F. (2001). Object relations, affects, and drives: Toward a new synthesis. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 21(5), 604 -620. Kernberg’s boderline personality organization <http: //www. palace. net/~llama/psych/bpd. html> http: //www. emedicine. com/ped/topic 270. htm http: //www. bpdresourcecenter. org/what. htm http: //www. wie. org/j 17/Kern. asp? page=2 www. sci. csuhayward. edu/~dsandberg/PSYTXLECTS/Psytx. Lect 04 Obj. Relts. htm Kernberg, Otto (2004). Aggressively, Narcissism, and Self-Destructiveness in the Psychotherapeutic Relationship: New Developments in the Psychopathology and Psychotherapy of Severe Personality. Disorders.